Hereditary Cancer Test
What Is Hereditary Cancer?
Hereditary cancer is cancer that's associated with an increased risk you've had since birth. It's a cancer risk caused by genetic mutations, or changes in the DNA sequence that makes up a gene. These mutations can be passed down through generations and can increase your risk of developing certain types of cancer, such as breast, colon, ovarian, pancreatic, prostate and skin.
According to the National Cancer Institute, up to 10% of all cancers are caused by inherited genes. Hereditary cancer can affect more than one family member across generations. Thankfully, we can better detect the increased risk for hereditary cancer with genetic testing, which helps us develop strategies to reduce your risk associated with the mutation.
What Is Genetic Testing for Hereditary Cancer?
Genetic testing for hereditary cancer measures your risk for developing certain types of cancer over a lifetime. Usually this is done with a simple saliva sample. A specialized lab will examine your sample for certain genetic mutations.
If mutations are found, you can take preventive measures to lower your risk of developing cancer, like choosing a healthier lifestyle. You can also increase the frequency of certain screenings to detect cancer early for the most successful treatment. Learning if you have a genetic mutation present before cancer develops can potentially save your life.
Ready to start your risk assessment?
Mercy recommends you fill out a risk assessment questionnaire to help you understand your cancer risk and determine if you qualify for hereditary cancer testing. Your answers may help your provider in making more personalized plans for your medical care.
The process is quick and easy.
- Answer some questions to begin your assessment.
- Log in to your account or create a new one to see your results.
If your screening suggests an elevated cancer risk, a Mercy care team member will contact you to discuss results and suggested follow-up. If the team is unable to reach you, they may contact your Mercy physician.
Get started here.
Should I Get Genetic Testing?
Adults of an at-risk ethnicity or who have a family history of cancer can benefit from genetic testing. You should consider this test if have an immediate family member with:
- A rare cancer type linked to genetic mutations
- Two or more types of cancer
- Cancer diagnosed before the age of 50
You might also want to get tested if you have more than one close relative diagnosed with the same type of cancer.
Why Choose Mercy for Genetic Testing?
At Mercy, we want to make receiving preventive care as easy as possible. That's why we do everything we can to streamline your experience.
See your test results on MyMercy, our free app that helps you manage your care conveniently from your smartphone. Your Mercy doctor will also reach out to discuss any findings and next steps. Plus, if you need follow-up care after your test, we'll set you up with the right specialist for treatment.
Cancer is one of the hardest things you may have to face in life, but having the right knowledge and care team around you will better prepare you for the road ahead.
Genetic Testing for Hereditary Cancer FAQs
Mercy can test for gene mutations that could increase your risk for common types of hereditary cancer. This test allows you and your Mercy provider to understand your personal risk before potential symptoms appear and to develop a strategy to reduce your risk.
Get answers to frequently asked questions to see if genetic testing is right for you.
Hereditary cancers are passed down through generations. They’re caused by gene mutations present in an egg or sperm cell at the time of fertilization. These genetic mutations increase a person's chances of developing cancer.
Some of the most common types of hereditary cancers include pancreatic, ovarian, uterine and melanoma cancers. Some less common kinds include breast, colon and prostate. Research estimates that about 10% of all cancers are hereditary.
You have a strong family history of cancer if you have an immediate family member with:
- A rare cancer linked to genetic mutations
- Two or more types of cancer
- Cancer diagnosed before the age of 50
You also have a strong family history of cancer if your ethnicity is linked to certain inherited cancers or you have more than one close relative diagnosed with the same type of cancer.
Genetic testing can help identify the specific mutation that's associated with your risk of developing a particular cancer. This knowledge will help you take preventive steps early to lower your risk and improve your overall health. It will also help you know what cancer symptoms to watch out for and which cancers to screen for more frequently. Mutated genes don't always form into cancers.
The main difference between hereditary and non-hereditary cancers is how they develop. Hereditary cancers are formed from gene mutations that are present at birth. Non-hereditary cancers are formed by gene mutations in non-reproductive cells. These mutations are acquired sometime after birth and caused by a variety of factors.
If you took our questionnaire and found you're not eligible, you should continue with standard screening procedures as directed by your Mercy doctor.
In some cases, you may want to consider another type of testing or screening. For instance, you may want to get a breast MRI based on a family history of breast cancer.
Our Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED) test may also be an option. You can complete our eligibility screener here.
Yes. You can choose to pay the out-of-pocket cost of $249 if the test isn't covered by your insurance.
Testing can be completed with a saliva sample or blood test. There are some advantages to the blood test, but it does require a lab draw. Results are usually available within a couple weeks.
Your positive test result means you may have an increased risk for certain types of cancer. This doesn't mean you have cancer. The next step in your care journey will be speaking with a genetic counselor and your provider to discuss your results. Together, you'll develop a strategy to reduce your risk for cancer or increase your screening for some types of cancer.
A variant of uncertain significance (VUS) result means there's not enough data to determine your risk level. In general, a VUS result is considered a negative test. But we still recommend meeting with a genetic counselor to discuss next steps, as needed.
This means you aren't at an increased risk for a cancer associated with a genetic mutation. Your negative result won't change over time, so this test isn't generally repeated later. Continue regular screenings as directed by your Mercy doctor.
A genetic counselor is someone with special knowledge of the abnormal mutation found on your test. Following your test, we'll set up a free virtual visit with a genetic counselor to discuss any abnormal test results.
Your counselor will help you understand your test results and discuss a care plan to lower your risk. Your personal care plan will be saved in your MyMercy account for easy reference.
This means you aren't at an increased risk for a cancer associated with a hereditary genetic mutation. Your negative result won't change over time, so this test isn't generally repeated later. Continue your regular age/gender recommended screenings as directed by your Mercy doctor.
No, Hereditary cancer risk screening looks at your overall future risk of developing cancer whereas the multi-cancer early detection test looks for evidence that you currently have cancer based on circulating blood biomarkers.
The self-pay cost is $249. If you plan to pay out-of-pocket, please notify Tempus, our vendor partner, before any billing is processed through your insurance.
Contact the Tempus billing department at:
Phone: 800.739.4137
Email: billing@tempus.com
Many health insurance plans will cover the cost of genetic testing when it's recommended by a doctor. Since specific coverage can vary, it's always a good idea to call your insurance to be sure.
Yes. Mercy works with Tempus to provide financial assistance to patients living in the U.S. If you need financial assistance, the Tempus Billing Support team will review the information and provide options tailored to your needs.
To apply for the program, you may use one of the following options:
- Complete and return the patient signature card included in each test kit.
- Submit the Online Financial Assistance Form.
- Contact Tempus Customer Support team directly: 800.739.4137.
Approval is based on a patient’s household income and relevant life circumstances, such as medical debt or loss of income due to a patient’s diagnosis.
It depends. Coverage varies from state to state.
Medicaid patients who want to check for out-of-pocket costs can contact the Tempus billing department at:
Phone: 800.739.4137
Email: billing@tempus.com
Depending on your insurance, you may be responsible for copays, deductibles or co-insurance costs. If needed, you may request and apply for financial assistance.
To apply for the program, you may use one of the following options:
- Complete and return the patient signature card included in each test kit.
- Submit the Online Financial Assistance Form.
- Contact Tempus Customer Support team directly: 800.739.4137.
We may adjust your costs based on your financial needs.
The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 prohibits employers and health insurers from using your genetic information to discriminate against you. This doesn't include life and long-term disability insurance. If these insurance options are important to you, we recommend getting them before your test.
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